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Published on: December 16, 2015
Infants who drink cows milk: a cohort study
Colin W Binns1, Kathleen I Graham, Jane A Scott
1School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, West Australia, Australia. c.binns@curtiin.edu.au
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 11, 2007
Summary
Most Australian infants receive cows milk before 12 months, despite guidelines. Early introduction of solids and parental attitudes influence this practice, highlighting a need for better infant feeding education.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health Nutrition
- Infant Feeding Practices
Background:
- Current pediatric guidelines recommend against introducing whole cows milk before 12 months of age.
- Understanding infant feeding practices is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document current practices in an Australian city regarding the introduction of whole cows milk to infants under 12 months.
- To identify factors associated with early cows milk introduction.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 587 mothers and infants recruited at birth in Perth, Australia.
- Structured interviews were conducted seven times over 12 months, recording infant feeding methods.
- 453 mothers (78%) completed the 12-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- The median age for introducing cows milk was 41.5 weeks, unchanged in 8 years.
- Early introduction of solids (before 4 months) increased the likelihood of cows milk before 12 months (OR 2.06).
- Maternal attitudes (lower IOWA Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale scores) and paternal breastfeeding support influenced early cows milk introduction.
Conclusions:
- The majority of infants in this Australian cohort received cows milk before the recommended 12 months of age.
- Early introduction of solids and specific parental attitudes are significant factors.
- There is a clear need for enhanced educational programs for parents on appropriate infant feeding.
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